Power shift in Edo assembly: Deputy speaker resigns

DDM News

Maria Oligbi-Edeko has officially resigned from her position as the Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.

Her resignation was announced on Monday, May 19, during a plenary session held in the Assembly chambers in Benin City.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the lawmaker, who represents Esan North-East II, made the announcement personally on the floor of the House.

In a letter read aloud to the Assembly, Oligbi-Edeko explained that her decision was based on her commitment to equity, justice, and fairness.

She emphasized that stepping down was a deliberate choice to ensure that all constituencies in the state legislature are fairly represented.

Her resignation comes in the wake of a shift in the political balance within the House, triggered by the defection of some PDP lawmakers to the APC.

The wave of defections has effectively eroded the minority status of the Peoples Democratic Party within the Assembly.

Oligbi-Edeko, a member of the PDP, did not cite personal grievances or internal party conflict as reasons for her resignation.

Instead, she expressed gratitude to the Assembly, her constituents, and the people of Edo State for the opportunity to serve.

The Assembly wasted no time in filling the vacant leadership role created by her exit from office.

Osamwonyi Atu, representing Orhionmwon East constituency under the All Progressives Congress, was elected the new Deputy Speaker.

His election was conducted immediately following the reading of Oligbi-Edeko’s resignation letter.

The motion to elect Atu was supported by a majority of the House members present during the plenary.

Majority Leader of the House, Jonathan Aigbokhan, moved a motion to ensure Atu receives all benefits and privileges previously accorded to the former Deputy Speaker.

The motion was unanimously adopted by the members, thereby formalizing the transfer of benefits.

Aigbokhan also praised Oligbi-Edeko for her dedication and contributions to the legislative process in the state.

The latest development adds another layer to the evolving political dynamics in Edo State ahead of the 2024 gubernatorial elections.

The defection of lawmakers from PDP to APC is widely seen as a strategic realignment in anticipation of future political battles.

Analysts believe the shifts may impact legislative proceedings and the distribution of power within the House going forward.

Oligbi-Edeko, a respected legal practitioner and former commissioner, is regarded as one of the leading female voices in the Assembly.

Her exit from the leadership cadre is being seen as a loss to both the PDP and the wider legislative institution.

However, her stated commitment to fairness suggests a possible bid to preserve institutional harmony and democratic values.

There are speculations that more leadership changes could unfold in the Assembly as political alliances continue to shift.

Political observers in Edo are closely monitoring the situation for signs of deeper party fractures or emerging coalitions.

As of press time, Oligbi-Edeko has not indicated any plans to defect or exit politics entirely.

The leadership of the PDP in Edo State has yet to officially respond to the resignation or comment on the internal changes in the House.

Oligbi-Edeko’s legacy includes her work on gender equality, community development, and legislative advocacy for her constituency.

With Atu’s appointment, the APC now solidifies its control of key leadership positions in the Edo Assembly.

This power shift may influence legislative priorities and interactions with the executive arm of government in the state.

The Edo State political landscape remains fluid as parties position themselves ahead of major electoral contests.

For now, attention turns to how the new Deputy Speaker, Osamwonyi Atu, will steer the Assembly in his new role.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue monitoring the unfolding events in the Edo State House of Assembly.

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